Siddikur prepared for CIMB challenge

October 22, 2013. In form, Siddikur of Bangladesh is ready to match the best in the golfing world as he prepares for the US$7 million CIMB Classic beginning at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club this week.

The 29-year-old will make his fourth successive appearance in the lucrative event at the Club’s West course starting on Thursday where he will target to improve on his best outing of tied 11th place in the inaugural edition in 2010.

The CIMB Classic, sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and Asian Tour, will also initiate the race for the premier Tour Order of Merit. Siddikur plans to enjoy a rewarding haul in the 78-man field, which has no halfway cut.

[highlight] There is a lot of money at stake at the CIMB Classic and a good finish or a victory might give you a huge jump on the Order of Merit [/highlight]

“I think it is going to be an exciting race on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. There is a lot of money at stake at the CIMB Classic and a good finish or a victory might give you a huge jump on the Order of Merit,” said Siddikur.

“It is good that they have FedEx Cup points and the money count towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit this year. I believe the event is even better now because if I win it, then I will get a PGA TOUR card.”

Major champions Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Ernie Els, Keegan Bradley, Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover will headline the elite field, which includes the leading 10 available players from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

Siddikur hopes to draw one of the top stars during the tournament rounds after enjoying the opportunity to play alongside Adam Scott of Australia, in the 2010 CIMB Classic.

“My best memory of the CIMB Classic was the first year because I had a good finish and I played with Adam Scott. He is a very nice guy and you gain extra confidence and motivation when you play with such a top player,” he said.

Once a caddie, Siddikur has risen far above to become Bangladesh’s first winner on the Asian Tour, will be in good form heading into the CIMB Classic following his tied seventh finish at the Venetian Macau Open last Sunday.

Current Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand hopes a week’s break at home will spark his game to live at the KLGCC, which he won the Malaysian Open earlier this year.

“I do not want to be distracted by the stars playing in the event. I think it is very important to stick to my own game plan. Every time I play in an event, my goal is to play well and try to win the event.”